'Persons unknown' accelerate decay of Galbally church

The ruins of the 13th century church in the cemetery in Galbally are to be secured both internally and externally against public access, following the discovery that the stones are falling off of the building. A community meeting was held earlier in June with council staff, as the safety works will impact members of the community.

According to the local authority, vegetation has “inundated” the fabric of the building and there are signs that trees were cut back, however these are now rejuvenating. Human interference has played a part in the decay of the structure too.

“Over recent years the ivy has been killed off over a large proportion of the structure by persons unknown, and this has accelerated the rate of decay as loose stones at the wall top are now falling without the tensile strength of live vegetation to hold them in place”.

The building ruins will now need to be fenced off, meaning that some graves, both in and outside of the building, will be inaccessible. Some commentary on social media expressed regret for the families of loved ones who are interred in the affected area, while acknowledging that the works were necessary.

Limerick City and County Council’s archaeology section has secured a heritage grant towards advance works, and currently a Conservation Engineer is being secured to advise of possible short-term work. The council say that once this is done, that they are in a good position to apply for funds for capital works in 2023.

“In the meantime, the building will be secured preventing public access to most of the interior and for a distance out from the outer face of the walls all around. The church and graveyard are Recorded Monuments and are protected under the National Monuments Act, and all works will require permission from the National Monuments Service.”